Squad give Gabriel a special welcome

The players received a special visit this morning - Gabriel Muniz, the young Brazilian boy who was born without feet due to a genetic malfunction. The youngster saw his dream come true when board member Jordi Mestre presented him to his hero Leo Messi, as well as the rest of the players.

All the players and the technical staff, led by Tito Vilanova, gave Gabriel a very special welcome and they were all charmed and impressed by his willingness and his determination to overcome difficulties. He kicked a ball around with Leo Messi and chatted with the Argentinean, before agreeing to meet again at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Adriano, Thiago and Alves also paid special attention to Gabriel and handed him a special team shirt. Adriano and Abidal also played a little with Gabriel on pitch Number One at the Ciutat Esportiva after training.

Gabriel later visited the Masia and all the installations of the Ciutat Esportiva, the day after he was received in the Directors Box by Club President Sandro Rosell at the Barça-Celtic game.